toward, against, in contrast to

Intermediate

20-25 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates direction of action or contrast.

[Noun] + に対して/に対する + [Noun]

先生に対して、敬語を使うべきだ。

Sensei ni taishite, keigo wo tsukau beki da.

You should use polite language toward teachers.

昨年に対して、今年は売上が増えた。

Sakunen ni taishite, kotoshi wa uriage ga fueta.

Compared to last year, sales increased this year.

Can mean both "toward" and "in contrast to".

～に関して

regarding, concerning, about

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Context determines if it means direction or contrast.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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